Ja Morant Addresses 'Bad Boy' Image After Portland Trade and Signs Jersey Mishap

Ja Morant spoke publicly for the first time since his trade from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Portland Trail Blazers, expressing his thoughts on his reputation and adjusting to his new team. Morant, who joined Portland in the summer of 2026, is preparing to play alongside fellow star Deni Avdija. He addressed his past image as basketball's "bad boy," stating that although he made mistakes, he was treated fairly and sees no reason for the ongoing focus on his past since nothing has happened recently. "If I were the 'guy' you think I am, I probably wouldn't be here or talking to you," Morant said.

In a lighter moment, Morant, who wore number 12 with the Grizzlies, accidentally signed his new Portland jersey, where he switched to number 1, with the old number 12 next to his signature. He humorously remarked, "God forbid, I signed with number 12!" as he adjusted to his new identity with the Blazers.

Morant's comments and the jersey signing incident highlight his transition to Portland and the anticipation surrounding his partnership with Avdija in the upcoming NBA season.